Digital broadcasting system and data processing method in the digital broadcasting system

ABSTRACT

A digital broadcasting system and a data processing method are disclosed. In an aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides a data processing method including receiving a broadcast signal in which main service data and mobile service data are multiplexed, demodulating the received broadcast signal, outputting demodulation time information of a specific position of a broadcast signal frame, and acquiring reference time information contained in the mobile service data frame, setting the reference time information to a system time clock at a specific time based on the demodulation time information and decoding the mobile service data according to the system time clock.

This application claims the priority benefit of Korean PatentApplication No. 10-2008-0092423, filed on Sep. 19, 2008, which is herebyincorporated by reference as if fully set forth therein.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.60/974,084, filed on Sep. 21, 2007, U.S. Provisional Application No.60/977,379, filed on Oct. 4, 2007, U.S. Provisional Application No.61/044,504, filed on Apr. 13, 2008, U.S. Provisional Application No.61/076,686, filed on Jun. 29, 2008, and U.S. Provisional Application No.61/081,729, filed on Jul. 17, 2008, which are hereby incorporated byreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a digital broadcasting system, and moreparticularly, to a digital broadcasting system and a data processingmethod.

2. Discussion of the Related Art

The Vestigial Sideband (VSB) transmission mode, which is adopted as thestandard for digital broadcasting in North America and the Republic ofKorea, is a system using a single carrier method. Therefore, thereceiving performance of the digital broadcast receiving system may bedeteriorated in a poor channel environment. Particularly, sinceresistance to changes in channels and noise is more highly required whenusing portable and/or mobile broadcast receivers, the receivingperformance may be even more deteriorated when transmitting mobileservice data by the VSB transmission mode.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a digital broadcastingsystem and a data processing method that substantially obviates one ormore problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.

An object of the present invention is to provide a digital broadcastingsystem and a data processing method that are highly resistant to channelchanges and noise.

An object of the present invention is to provide a digital broadcastingsystem and a method of processing data in a digital broadcasting systemthat can enhance the receiving performance of a receiving system (orreceiver) by having a transmitting system (or transmitter) performadditional encoding on mobile service data.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a digitalbroadcasting system and a method of processing data in the digitalbroadcasting system that can also enhance the receiving performance of adigital broadcast receiving system by inserting known data already knownin accordance with a pre-agreement between the receiving system and thetransmitting system in a predetermined region within a data region.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a digitalbroadcast system and a data processing method which can process servicedata discontinuously received on a time axis at a constant bit rate.

Additional advantages, objects, and features of the invention will beset forth in part in the description which follows and in part willbecome apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art uponexamination of the following or may be learned from practice of theinvention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention may berealized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in thewritten description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.

To achieve these objects and other advantages and in accordance with thepurpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, adata processing method includes receiving a broadcast signal in whichmain service data and mobile service data are multiplexed, demodulatingthe received broadcast signal, outputting demodulation time informationof a specific position of a broadcast signal frame, and acquiringreference time information contained in the mobile service data frame,setting the reference time information to a system time clock at aspecific time based on the demodulation time information and decodingthe mobile service data according to the system time clock.

The reference time information may be a network time protocol (NTP)timestamp. The demodulation time information may include either one ofthe frame starting point and the frame end point of the broadcastsignal. The manager set the reference time information to the systemtime clock at interval of 968 milliseconds.

The broadcast signal includes a data group in which the mobile servicedata error-correction-encoded by at least one of code rates, and themobile service data in the interleaved data group includesperiodically-inserted known data.

In another aspect of the present invention, a digital broadcast systemincludes a receiver configured to receive a broadcast signal in whichmain service data and mobile service data are multiplexed, a demodulatorconfigured to demodulate the received broadcast signal, outputdemodulation time information of a specific position of a broadcastsignal frame, and output a mobile service data frame from thedemodulated broadcast signal, a mobile service data frame decoderconfigured to decoding the mobile service data frame and output atransport packet, a transport packet (TP) handler configured to outputreference time information contained in the transport packet, a managerconfigured to set the outputted reference time information to a systemtime clock at a specific time based on the demodulation timeinformation, a decoder configured to decode the mobile service dataaccording to the system time clock and a display configured to displaycontents contained in the decoded mobile service data.

The digital broadcast system may further include a buffer fortemporarily storing mobile service data contained in the transportpacket according to the system time clock. The manager may control thedisplay for displaying contents contained in the mobile service dataaccording to the system time clock.

The demodulator outputs fast information channel (FIC) informationrepresenting binding information of a virtual channel in an ensemble andthe ensemble of the mobile service data, and the mobile service dataframe decoder decodes the mobile service data frame using the FICinformation.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description of the present invention areexemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide furtherexplanation of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute apart of this application, illustrate embodiment(s) of the invention andtogether with the description serve to explain the principle of theinvention. In the drawings;

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram showing a general structure of adigital broadcasting receiving system according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary structure of a data group according tothe present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates an RS frame according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of an MH frame structure for transmittingand receiving mobile service data according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a general VSB frame structure;

FIG. 6 illustrates a example of mapping positions of the first 4 slotsof a sub-frame in a spatial area with respect to a VSB frame;

FIG. 7 illustrates a example of mapping positions of the first 4 slotsof a sub-frame in a chronological (or time) area with respect to a VSBframe;

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary order of data groups being assigned toone of 5 sub-frames configuring an MH frame according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a single parade being assigned to an MHframe according to the present invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates an example of 3 parades being assigned to an MHframe according to the present invention;

FIG. 11 illustrates an example of the process of assigning 3 paradesshown in FIG. 10 being expanded to 5 sub-frames within an MH frame;

FIG. 12 illustrates a data transmission structure according to anembodiment of the present invention, wherein signaling data are includedin a data group so as to be transmitted;

FIG. 13 illustrates a hierarchical signaling structure according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary FIC body format according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary bit stream syntax structure withrespect to an FIC segment according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary bit stream syntax structure withrespect to a payload of an FIC segment according to the presentinvention, when an FIC type field value is equal to ‘0’;

FIG. 17 illustrates an exemplary bit stream syntax structure of aservice map table according to the present invention;

FIG. 18 illustrates an exemplary bit stream syntax structure of an MHaudio descriptor according to the present invention;

FIG. 19 illustrates an exemplary bit stream syntax structure of an MHRTP payload type descriptor according to the present invention;

FIG. 20 illustrates an exemplary bit stream syntax structure of an MHcurrent event descriptor according to the present invention;

FIG. 21 illustrates an exemplary bit stream syntax structure of an MHnext event descriptor according to the present invention;

FIG. 22 illustrates an exemplary bit stream syntax structure of an MHsystem time descriptor according to the present invention;

FIG. 23 illustrates segmentation and encapsulation processes of aservice map table according to the present invention; and

FIG. 24 illustrates a flow chart for accessing a virtual channel usingFIC and SMT according to the present invention.

FIG. 25 shows a timing model;

FIG. 26 shows a bit rate varying with time while signals are transmittedand received according to a time slicing technique;

FIG. 27 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a method for processing areception (Rx) signal at a constant data processing rate;

FIG. 28 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a digital broadcastreception system according to another embodiment of the presentinvention; and

FIG. 29 is a flow chart illustrating a data processing method accordingto the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of thepresent invention, which is capable of achieving the object. Hereinstructures and operations of the invention illustrated in figures anddescribed by being referred to the figures are embodiments, and thetechnical spirits and core structures of the invention are not limitedin the embodiments.

DEFINITION OF THE TERMS USED IN THE EMBODIMENTS

Although the terms used in the present invention are selected fromgenerally known and used terms, some of the terms mentioned in thedescription of the present invention have been selected by the applicantat his or her discretion, the detailed meanings of which are describedin relevant parts of the description herein. Furthermore, it is requiredthat the present invention is understood, not simply by the actual termsused but by the meaning of each term lying within.

Among the terms used in the description of the present invention, mainservice data correspond to data that can be received by a fixedreceiving system and may include audio/video (A/V) data. Morespecifically, the main service data may include A/V data of highdefinition (HD) or standard definition (SD) levels and may also includediverse data types required for data broadcasting. Also, the known datacorrespond to data pre-known in accordance with a pre-arranged agreementbetween the receiving system and the transmitting system.

Additionally, among the terms used in the present invention, “MH”corresponds to the initials of “mobile” and “handheld” and representsthe opposite concept of a fixed-type system. Furthermore, the MH servicedata may include at least one of mobile service data and handheldservice data, and will also be referred to as “mobile service data” forsimplicity. Herein, the mobile service data not only correspond to MHservice data but may also include any type of service data with mobileor portable characteristics. Therefore, the mobile service dataaccording to the present invention are not limited only to the MHservice data.

The above-described mobile service data may correspond to data havinginformation, such as program execution files, stock information, and soon, and may also correspond to A/V data. Most particularly, the mobileservice data may correspond to A/V data having lower resolution andlower data rate as compared to the main service data. For example, if anA/V codec that is used for a conventional main service corresponds to aMPEG-2 codec, a MPEG-4 advanced video coding (AVC) or scalable videocoding (SVC) having better image compression efficiency may be used asthe A/V codec for the mobile service. Furthermore, any type of data maybe transmitted as the mobile service data. For example, transportprotocol expert group (TPEG) data for broadcasting real-timetransportation information may be transmitted as the main service data.

Also, a data service using the mobile service data may include weatherforecast services, traffic information services, stock informationservices, viewer participation quiz programs, real-time polls andsurveys, interactive education broadcast programs, gaming services,services providing information on synopsis, character, background music,and filming sites of soap operas or series, services providinginformation on past match scores and player profiles and achievements,and services providing information on product information and programsclassified by service, medium, time, and theme enabling purchase ordersto be processed. Herein, the present invention is not limited only tothe services mentioned above.

In the present invention, the transmitting system provides backwardcompatibility in the main service data so as to be received by theconventional receiving system. Herein, the main service data and themobile service data are multiplexed to the same physical channel andthen transmitted.

Furthermore, the digital broadcast transmitting system according to thepresent invention performs additional encoding on the mobile servicedata and inserts the data already known by the receiving system andtransmitting system (e.g., known data), thereby transmitting theprocessed data.

Therefore, when using the transmitting system according to the presentinvention, the receiving system may receive the mobile service dataduring a mobile state and may also receive the mobile service data withstability despite various distortion and noise occurring within thechannel.

Receiving System

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram showing a general structure of adigital broadcasting receiving system according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. The digital broadcast receiving system according tothe present invention includes a baseband processor 100, a managementprocessor 200, and a presentation processor 300.

The baseband processor 100 includes an operation controller 110, a tuner120, a demodulator 130, an equalizer 140, a known sequence detector (orknown data detector) 150, a block decoder (or mobile handheld blockdecoder) 160, a promary Reed-Solomon (RS) frame decoder 170, a secondaryRS frame decoder 180, and a signaling decoder 190. The operationcontroller 110 controls the operation of each block included in thebaseband processor 100.

By tuning the receiving system to a specific physical channel frequency,the tuner 120 enables the receiving system to receive main service data,which correspond to broadcast signals for fixed-type broadcast receivingsystems, and mobile service data, which correspond to broadcast signalsfor mobile broadcast receiving systems. At this point, the tunedfrequency of the specific physical channel is down-converted to anintermediate frequency (IF) signal, thereby being outputted to thedemodulator 130 and the known sequence detector 140. The passbanddigital IF signal being outputted from the tuner 120 may only includemain service data, or only include mobile service data, or include bothmain service data and mobile service data.

The demodulator 130 performs self-gain control, carrier wave recovery,and timing recovery processes on the passband digital IF signal inputtedfrom the tuner 120, thereby modifying the IF signal to a basebandsignal. Then, the demodulator 130 outputs the baseband signal to theequalizer 140 and the known sequence detector 150. The demodulator 130uses the known data symbol sequence inputted from the known sequencedetector 150 during the timing and/or carrier wave recovery, therebyenhancing the demodulating performance.

The equalizer 140 compensates channel-associated distortion included inthe signal demodulated by the demodulator 130. Then, the equalizer 140outputs the distortion-compensated signal to the block decoder 160. Byusing a known data symbol sequence inputted from the known sequencedetector 150, the equalizer 140 may enhance the equalizing performance.Furthermore, the equalizer 140 may receive feed-back on the decodingresult from the block decoder 160, thereby enhancing the equalizingperformance.

The known sequence detector 150 detects known data place (or position)inserted by the transmitting system from the input/output data (i.e.,data prior to being demodulated or data being processed with partialdemodulation). Then, the known sequence detector 150 outputs thedetected known data position information and known data sequencegenerated from the detected position information to the demodulator 130and the equalizer 140. Additionally, in order to allow the block decoder160 to identify the mobile service data that have been processed withadditional encoding by the transmitting system and the main service datathat have not been processed with any additional encoding, the knownsequence detector 150 outputs such corresponding information to theblock decoder 160.

If the data channel-equalized by the equalizer 140 and inputted to theblock decoder 160 correspond to data processed with both block-encodingand trellis-encoding by the transmitting system (i.e., data within theRS frame, signaling data), the block decoder 160 may performtrellis-decoding and block-decoding as inverse processes of thetransmitting system. On the other hand, if the data channel-equalized bythe equalizer 140 and inputted to the block decoder 160 correspond todata processed only with trellis-encoding and not block-encoding by thetransmitting system (i.e., main service data), the block decoder 160 mayperform only trellis-decoding.

The signaling decoder 190 decoded signaling data that have beenchannel-equalized and inputted from the equalizer 140. It is assumedthat the signaling data inputted to the signaling decoder 190 correspondto data processed with both block-encoding and trellis-encoding by thetransmitting system. Examples of such signaling data may includetransmission parameter channel (TPC) data and fast information channel(FIC) data. Each type of data will be described in more detail in alater process. The FIC data decoded by the signaling decoder 190 areoutputted to the FIC handler 215. And, the TPC data decoded by thesignaling decoder 190 are outputted to the TPC handler 214.

Meanwhile, according to the present invention, the transmitting systemuses RS frames by encoding units. Herein, the RS frame may be dividedinto a primary RS frame and a secondary RS frame. However, according tothe embodiment of the present invention, the primary RS frame and thesecondary RS frame will be divided based upon the level of importance ofthe corresponding data.

The primary RS frame decoder 170 receives the data outputted from theblock decoder 160. At this point, according to the embodiment of thepresent invention, the primary RS frame decoder 170 receives only themobile service data that have been Reed-Solomon (RS)-encoded and/orcyclic reduncancy check (CRC)-encoded from the block decoder 160.

Herein, the primary RS frame decoder 170 receives only the mobileservice data and not the main service data. The primary RS frame decoder170 performs inverse processes of an RS frame encoder (not shown)included in the digital broadcast transmitting system, therebycorrecting errors existing within the primary RS frame. Morespecifically, the primary RS frame decoder 170 forms a primary RS frameby grouping a plurality of data groups and, then, correct errors inprimary RS frame units. In other words, the primary RS frame decoder 170decodes primary RS frames, which are being transmitted for actualbroadcast services.

Additionally, the secondary RS frame decoder 180 receives the dataoutputted from the block decoder 160. At this point, according to theembodiment of the present invention, the secondary RS frame decoder 180receives only the mobile service data that have been RS-encoded and/orCRC-encoded from the block decoder 160. Herein, the secondary RS framedecoder 180 receives only the mobile service data and not the mainservice data. The secondary RS frame decoder 180 performs inverseprocesses of an RS frame encoder (not shown) included in the digitalbroadcast transmitting system, thereby correcting errors existing withinthe secondary RS frame. More specifically, the secondary RS framedecoder 180 forms a secondary RS frame by grouping a plurality of datagroups and, then, correct errors in secondary RS frame units. In otherwords, the secondary RS frame decoder 180 decodes secondary RS frames,which are being transmitted for mobile audio service data, mobile videoservice data, guide data, and so on.

Meanwhile, the management processor 200 according to an embodiment ofthe present invention includes an MH physical adaptation processor 210,an IP network stack 220, a streaming handler 230, a system information(SI) handler 240, a file handler 250, a multi-purpose internet mainextensions (MIME) type handler 260, and an electronic service guide(ESG) handler 270, and an ESG decoder 280, and a storage unit 290.

The MH physical adaptation processor 210 includes a primary RS framehandler 211, a secondary RS frame handler 212, an MH transport packet(TP) handler 213, a TPC handler 214, an FIC handler 215, and a physicaladaptation control signal handler 216.

The TPC handler 214 receives and processes baseband information requiredby modules corresponding to the MH physical adaptation processor 210.The baseband information is inputted in the form of TPC data. Herein,the TPC handler 214 uses this information to process the FIC data, whichhave been sent from the baseband processor 100.

The TPC data are transmitted from the transmitting system to thereceiving system via a predetermined region of a data group. The TPCdata may include at least one of an MH ensemble ID, an MH sub-framenumber, a total number of MH groups (TNoG), an RS frame continuitycounter, a column size of RS frame (N), and an FIC version number.

Herein, the MH ensemble ID indicates an identification number of each MHensemble carried in the corresponding channel. The MH sub-frame numbersignifies a number identifying the MH sub-frame number in an MH frame,wherein each MH group associated with the corresponding MH ensemble istransmitted. The TNoG represents the total number of MH groups includingall of the MH groups belonging to all MH parades included in an MHsub-frame.

The RS frame continuity counter indicates a number that serves as acontinuity counter of the RS frames carrying the corresponding MHensemble. Herein, the value of the RS frame continuity counter shall beincremented by 1 modulo 16 for each successive RS frame.

N represents the column size of an RS frame belonging to thecorresponding MH ensemble. Herein, the value of N determines the size ofeach MH TP.

Finally, the FIC version number signifies the version number of an FICbody carried on the corresponding physical channel.

As described above, diverse TPC data are inputted to the TPC handler 214via the signaling decoder 190 shown in FIG. 1. Then, the received TPCdata are processed by the TPC handler 214. The received TPC data mayalso be used by the FIC handler 215 in order to process the FIC data.

The FIC handler 215 processes the FIC data by associating the FIC datareceived from the baseband processor 100 with the TPC data.

The physical adaptation control signal handler 216 collects FIC datareceived through the FIC handler 215 and SI data received through RSframes. Then, the physical adaptation control signal handler 216 usesthe collected FIC data and SI data to configure and process IP datagramsand access information of mobile broadcast services. Thereafter, thephysical adaptation control signal handler 216 stores the processed IPdatagrams and access information to the storage unit 290.

The primary RS frame handler 211 identifies primary RS frames receivedfrom the primary RS frame decoder 170 of the baseband processor 100 foreach row unit, so as to configure an MH TP. Thereafter, the primary RSframe handler 211 outputs the configured MH TP to the MH TP handler 213.

The secondary RS frame handler 212 identifies secondary RS framesreceived from the secondary RS frame decoder 180 of the basebandprocessor 100 for each row unit, so as to configure an MH TP.Thereafter, the secondary RS frame handler 212 outputs the configured MHTP to the MH TP handler 213.

The MH transport packet (TP) handler 213 extracts a header from each MHTP received from the primary RS frame handler 211 and the secondary RSframe handler 212, thereby determining the data included in thecorresponding MH TP. Then, when the determined data correspond to SIdata (i.e., SI data that are not encapsulated to IP datagrams), thecorresponding data are outputted to the physical adaptation controlsignal handler 216. Alternatively, when the determined data correspondto an IP datagram, the corresponding data are outputted to the IPnetwork stack 220.

The IP network stack 220 processes broadcast data that are beingtransmitted in the form of IP datagrams. More specifically, the IPnetwork stack 220 processes data that are inputted via user datagramprotocol (UDP), real-time transport protocol (RTP), real-time transportcontrol protocol (RTCP), asynchronous layered coding/layered codingtransport (ALC/LCT), file delivery over unidirectional transport(FLUTE), and so on. Herein, when the processed data correspond tostreaming data, the corresponding data are outputted to the streaminghandler 230. And, when the processed data correspond to data in a fileformat, the corresponding data are outputted to the file handler 250.Finally, when the processed data correspond to SI-associated data, thecorresponding data are outputted to the SI handler 240.

The SI handler 240 receives and processes SI data having the form of IPdatagrams, which are inputted to the IP network stack 220. When theinputted data associated with SI correspond to MIME-type data, theinputted data are outputted to the MIME-type handler 260. The MIME-typehandler 260 receives the MIME-type SI data outputted from the SI handler240 and processes the received MIME-type SI data.

The file handler 250 receives data from the IP network stack 220 in anobject format in accordance with the ALC/LCT and FLUTE structures. Thefile handler 250 groups the received data to create a file format.Herein, when the corresponding file includes ESG, the file is outputtedto the ESG handler 270. On the other hand, when the corresponding fileincludes data for other file-based services, the file is outputted tothe presentation controller 330 of the presentation processor 300.

The ESG handler 270 processes the ESG data received from the filehandler 250 and stores the processed ESG data to the storage unit 290.Alternatively, the ESG handler 270 may output the processed ESG data tothe ESG decoder 280, thereby allowing the ESG data to be used by the ESGdecoder 280.

The storage unit 290 stores the system information (SI) received fromthe physical adaptation control signal handler 210 and the ESG handler270 therein. Thereafter, the storage unit 290 transmits the stored SIdata to each block.

The ESG decoder 280 either recovers the ESG data and SI data stored inthe storage unit 290 or recovers the ESG data transmitted from the ESGhandler 270. Then, the ESG decoder 280 outputs the recovered data to thepresentation controller 330 in a format that can be outputted to theuser.

The streaming handler 230 receives data from the IP network stack 220,wherein the format of the received data are in accordance with RTPand/or RTCP structures. The streaming handler 230 extracts audio/videostreams from the received data, which are then outputted to theaudio/video (A/V) decoder 310 of the presentation processor 300. Theaudio/video decoder 310 then decodes each of the audio stream and videostream received from the streaming handler 230.

The display module 320 of the presentation processor 300 receives audioand video signals respectively decoded by the A/V decoder 310. Then, thedisplay module 320 provides the received audio and video signals to theuser through a speaker and/or a screen.

The presentation controller 330 corresponds to a controller managingmodules that output data received by the receiving system to the user.

The channel service manager 340 manages an interface with the user,which enables the user to use channel-based broadcast services, such aschannel map management, channel service connection, and so on.

The application manager 350 manages an interface with a user using ESGdisplay or other application services that do not correspond tochannel-based services.

Meanwhile, The streaming handler 230 may include a buffer temporarilystoring audio/video data. The digital broadcasting reception systemperiodically sets reference time information to a system time clock, andthen the stored audio/video data can be transferred to A/V decoder 310at a constant bitrate. Accordingly, the audio/video data can beprocessed at a bitrate and audio/video service can be provided.

Data Format Structure

Meanwhile, the data structure used in the mobile broadcasting technologyaccording to the embodiment of the present invention may include a datagroup structure and an RS frame structure, which will now be describedin detail.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary structure of a data group according tothe present invention.

FIG. 2 shows an example of dividing a data group according to the datastructure of the present invention into 10 MH blo In this example, eachMH block has the length of 16 segments. Referring to FIG. 2, only the RSparity data are allocated to portions of the first 5 segments of the MHblock (B1) and the last 5 segments of the MH block 10 (B10). The RSparity data are excluded in regions A to D of the data group.

More specifically, when it is assumed that one data group is dividedinto regions A, B, C, and D, each MH block may be included in any one ofregion A to region D depending upon the characteristic of each MH blockwithin the data group.

Herein, the data group is divided into a plurality of regions to be usedfor different purposes. More specifically, a region of the main servicedata having no interference or a very low interference level may beconsidered to have a more resistant (or stronger) receiving performanceas compared to regions having higher interference levels. Additionally,when using a system inserting and transmitting known data in the datagroup, wherein the known data are known based upon an agreement betweenthe transmitting system and the receiving system, and when consecutivelylong known data are to be periodically inserted in the mobile servicedata, the known data having a predetermined length may be periodicallyinserted in the region having no interference from the main service data(i.e., a region wherein the main service data are not mixed). However,due to interference from the main service data, it is difficult toperiodically insert known data and also to insert consecutively longknown data to a region having interference from the main service data.

Referring to FIG. 2, MH block 4 (B4) to MH block 7 (B7) correspond toregions without interference of the main service data. MH block 4 (B4)to MH block 7 (B7) within the data group shown in FIG. 2 correspond to aregion where no interference from the main service data occurs. In thisexample, a long known data sequence is inserted at both the beginningand end of each MH block. In the description of the present invention,the region including MH block 4 (B4) to MH block 7 (B7) will be referredto as “region A (=B4+B5+B6+B7)”. As described above, when the data groupincludes region A having a long known data sequence inserted at both thebeginning and end of each MH block, the receiving system is capable ofperforming equalization by using the channel information that can beobtained from the known data. Therefore, the strongest equalizingperformance may be yielded (or obtained) from one of region A to regionD.

In the example of the data group shown in FIG. 2, MH block 3 (B3) and MHblock 8 (B8) correspond to a region having little interference from themain service data. Herein, a long known data sequence is inserted inonly one side of each MH block B3 and B8. More specifically, due to theinterference from the main service data, a long known data sequence isinserted at the end of MH block 3 (B3), and another long known datasequence is inserted at the beginning of MH block 8 (B8). In the presentinvention, the region including MH block 3 (B3) and MH block 8 (B8) willbe referred to as “region B (=B3+B8)”. As described above, when the datagroup includes region B having a long known data sequence inserted atonly one side (beginning or end) of each MH block, the receiving systemis capable of performing equalization by using the channel informationthat can be obtained from the known data. Therefore, a strongerequalizing performance as compared to region C/D may be yielded (orobtained).

Referring to FIG. 2, MH block 2 (B2) and MH block 9 (B9) correspond to aregion having more interference from the main service data as comparedto region B. A long known data sequence cannot be inserted in any sideof MH block 2 (B2) and MH block 9 (B9). Herein, the region including MHblock 2 (B2) and MH block 9 (B9) will be referred to as “region C(=B2+B9)”.

Finally, in the example shown in FIG. 2, MH block 1 (B1) and MH block 10(B10) correspond to a region having more interference from the mainservice data as compared to region C. Similarly, a long known datasequence cannot be inserted in any side of MH block 1 (B1) and MH block10 (B10). Herein, the region including MH block 1 (B1) and MH block 10(B10) will be referred to as “region D (=B1+B10)”. Since region C/D isspaced further apart from the known data sequence, when the channelenvironment undergoes frequent and abrupt changes, the receivingperformance of region C/D may be deteriorated.

Additionally, the data group includes a signaling information areawherein signaling information is assigned (or allocated).

In the present invention, the signaling information area may start fromthe 1^(st) segment of the 4^(th) MH block (B4) to a portion of the2^(nd) segment.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the signalinginformation area for inserting signaling information may start from the1^(st) segment of the 4^(th) MH block (B4) to a portion of the 2^(nd)segment. More specifically, 276(=207+69) bytes of the 4^(th) MH block(B4) in each data group are assigned as the signaling information area.In other words, the signaling information area consists of 207 bytes ofthe 1^(st) segment and the first 69 bytes of the 2^(nd) segment of the4^(th) MH block (B4). The 1^(st) segment of the 4^(th) MH block (B4)corresponds to the 17^(th) or 173^(rd) segment of a VSB field.

Herein, the signaling information may be identified by two differenttypes of signaling channels: a transmission parameter channel (TPC) anda fast information channel (FIC).

Herein, the TPC data may include at least one of an MH ensemble ID, anMH sub-frame number, a total number of MH groups (TNoG), an RS framecontinuity counter, a column size of RS frame (N), and an FIC versionnumber. However, the TPC data (or information) presented herein aremerely exemplary. And, since the adding or deleting of signalinginformation included in the TPC data may be easily adjusted and modifiedby one skilled in the art, the present invention will, therefore, not belimited to the examples set forth herein. Furthermore, the FIC isprovided to enable a fast service acquisition of data receivers, and theFIC includes cross layer information between the physical layer and theupper layer(s). For example, when the data group includes 6 known datasequences, as shown in FIG. 2, the signaling information area is locatedbetween the first known data sequence and the second known datasequence. More specifically, the first known data sequence is insertedin the last 2 segments of the 3^(rd) MH block (B3), and the second knowndata sequence in inserted in the 2^(nd) and 3^(rd) segments of the4^(th) MH block (B4). Furthermore, the 3^(rd) to 6^(th) known datasequences are respectively inserted in the last 2 segments of each ofthe 4^(th), 5^(th), 6^(th), and 7^(th) MH blocks (B4, B5, B6, and B7).The 1^(st) and 3^(rd) to 6^(th) known data sequences are spaced apart by16 segments.

FIG. 3 illustrates an RS frame according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

The RS frame shown in FIG. 3 corresponds to a collection of one or moredata groups. The RS frame is received for each MH frame in a conditionwhere the receiving system receives the FIC and processes the receivedFIC and where the receiving system is switched to a time-slicing mode sothat the receiving system can receive MH ensembles including ESG entrypoints. Each RS frame includes IP streams of each service or ESG, andSMT section data may exist in all RS frames.

The RS frame according to the embodiment of the present inventionconsists of at least one MH transport packet (TP). Herein, the MH TPincludes an MH header and an MH payload.

The MH payload may include mobile service data as weak as signalingdata. More specifically, an MH payload may include only mobile servicedata, or may include only signaling data, or may include both mobileservice data and signaling data.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, the MH header mayidentify (or distinguish) the data types included in the MH payload.More specifically, when the MH TP includes a first MH header, thisindicates that the MH payload includes only the signaling data. Also,when the MH TP includes a second MH header, this indicates that the MHpayload includes both the signaling data and the mobile service data.Finally, when MH TP includes a third MH header, this indicates that theMH payload includes only the mobile service data.

In the example shown in FIG. 3, the RS frame is assigned with IPdatagrams (IP datagram 1 and IP datagram 2) for two service types.

The IP datagram in the MH-TP in the RS frame may include reference timeinformation (for example, network time stamp (NTP)), the detaileddescription for the reference time information will be disclosed bybeing referred to FIGS. 25 to 29.

Data Transmission Structure

FIG. 4 illustrates a structure of a MH frame for transmitting andreceiving mobile service data according to the present invention.

In the example shown in FIG. 4, one MH frame consists of 5 sub-frames,wherein each sub-frame includes 16 slots. In this case, the MH frameaccording to the present invention includes 5 sub-frames and 80 slots.

Also, in a packet level, one slot is configured of 156 data packets(i.e., transport stream packets), and in a symbol level, one slot isconfigured of 156 data segments. Herein, the size of one slotcorresponds to one half (½) of a VSB field. More specifically, since one207-byte data packet has the same amount of data as a data segment, adata packet prior to being interleaved may also be used as a datasegment. At this point, two VSB fields are grouped to form a VSB frame.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary structure of a VSB frame, wherein oneVSB frame consists of 2 VSB fields (i.e., an odd field and an evenfield). Herein, each VSB field includes a field synchronization segmentand 312 data segments. The slot corresponds to a basic time unit formultiplexing the mobile service data and the main service data. Herein,one slot may either include the mobile service data or be configuredonly of the main service data.

If the first 118 data packets within the slot correspond to a datagroup, the remaining 38 data packets become the main service datapackets. In another example, when no data group exists in a slot, thecorresponding slot is configured of 156 main service data packets.

Meanwhile, when the slots are assigned to a VSB frame, an off-set existsfor each assigned position.

FIG. 6 illustrates a mapping example of the positions to which the first4 slots of a sub-frame are assigned with respect to a VSB frame in aspatial area. And, FIG. 7 illustrates a mapping example of the positionsto which the first 4 slots of a sub-frame are assigned with respect to aVSB frame in a chronological (or time) area.

Referring to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, a 38^(th) data packet (TS packet #37) ofa 1^(st) slot (Slot #0) is mapped to the 1^(st) data packet of an oddVSB field. A 38^(th) data packet (TS packet #37) of a 2^(nd) slot (Slot#1) is mapped to the 157^(th) data packet of an odd VSB field. Also, a38^(th) data packet (TS packet #37) of a 3^(rd) slot (Slot #2) is mappedto the 1^(st) data packet of an even VSB field. And, a 38^(th) datapacket (TS packet #37) of a 4^(th) slot (Slot #3) is mapped to the157^(th) data packet of an even VSB field. Similarly, the remaining 12slots within the corresponding sub-frame are mapped in the subsequentVSB frames using the same method.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary assignment order of data groups beingassigned to one of 5 sub-frames, wherein the 5 sub-frames configure anMH frame. For example, the method of assigning data groups may beidentically applied to all MH frames or differently applied to each MHframe. Furthermore, the method of assigning data groups may beidentically applied to all sub-frames or differently applied to eachsub-frame. At this point, when it is assumed that the data groups areassigned using the same method in all sub-frames of the corresponding MHframe, the total number of data groups being assigned to an MH frame isequal to a multiple of ‘5’.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, a plurality ofconsecutive data groups is assigned to be spaced as far apart from oneanother as possible within the MH frame. Thus, the system can be capableof responding promptly and effectively to any burst error that may occurwithin a sub-frame.

For example, when it is assumed that 3 data groups are assigned to asub-frame, the data groups are assigned to a 1^(st) slot (Slot #0), a5^(th) slot (Slot #4), and a 9^(th) slot (Slot #8) in the sub-frame,respectively. FIG. 8 illustrates an example of assigning 16 data groupsin one sub-frame using the above-described pattern (or rule). In otherwords, each data group is serially assigned to 16 slots corresponding tothe following numbers: 0, 8, 4, 12, 1, 9, 5, 13, 2, 10, 6, 14, 3, 11, 7,and 15. Equation 1 below shows the above-described rule (or pattern) forassigning data groups in a sub-frame.

j=(4i+0)mod 16  [Equation 1]

-   -   0=0 if i<4,    -   0=2 else if i<8,

Herein,

-   -   0=1 else if i<12,    -   0=3 else.        Herein, j indicates the slot number within a sub-frame. The        value of j may range from 0 to 15 (i.e., 0≦j≦5). Also, variable        i indicates the data group number. The value of i may range from        0 to 15 (i.e., 0≦i≦15).

In the present invention, a collection of data groups included in a MHframe will be referred to as a “parade”. Based upon the RS frame mode,the parade transmits data of at least one specific RS frame.

The mobile service data within one RS frame may be assigned either toall of regions A/B/C/D within the corresponding data group, or to atleast one of regions A/B/C/D. In the embodiment of the presentinvention, the mobile service data within one RS frame may be assignedeither to all of regions A/B/C/D, or to at least one of regions A/B andregions C/D. If the mobile service data are assigned to the latter case(i.e., one of regions A/B and regions C/D), the RS frame being assignedto regions A/B and the RS frame being assigned to regions C/D within thecorresponding data group are different from one another.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, the RS frame beingassigned to regions A/B within the corresponding data group will bereferred to as a “primary RS frame”, and the RS frame being assigned toregions C/D within the corresponding data group will be referred to as a“secondary RS frame”, for simplicity. Also, the primary RS frame and thesecondary RS frame form (or configure) one parade. More specifically,when the mobile service data within one RS frame are assigned either toall of regions A/B/C/D within the corresponding data group, one paradetransmits one RS frame. Conversely, when the mobile service data withinone RS frame are assigned either to at least one of regions A/B andregions C/D, one parade may transmit up to 2 RS frames. Morespecifically, the RS frame mode indicates whether a parade transmits oneRS frame, or whether the parade transmits two RS frames. Such RS framemode is transmitted as the above-described TPC data. Table 1 below showsan example of the RS frame mode.

TABLE 1 RS frame mode (2 bits) Description 00 There is only one primaryRS frame for all group regions 01 There are two separate RS frames.Primary RS frame for group regions A and B Secondary RS frame for groupregions C and D 10 Reserved 11 Reserved

Table 1 illustrates an example of allocating 2 bits in order to indicatethe RS frame mode. For example, referring to Table 1, when the RS framemode value is equal to ‘00’, this indicates that one parade transmitsone RS frame. And, when the RS frame mode value is equal to ‘01’, thisindicates that one parade transmits two RS frames, i.e., the primary RSframe and the secondary RS frame.

More specifically, when the RS frame mode value is equal to ‘01’, dataof the primary RS frame for regions A/B are assigned and transmitted toregions A/B of the corresponding data group. Similarly, data of thesecondary RS frame for regions C/D are assigned and transmitted toregions C/D of the corresponding data group.

As described in the assignment of data groups, the parades are alsoassigned to be spaced as far apart from one another as possible withinthe sub-frame. Thus, the system can be capable of responding promptlyand effectively to any burst error that may occur within a sub-frame.Furthermore, the method of assigning parades may be identically appliedto all MH frames or differently applied to each MH frame.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, the parades may beassigned differently for each MH frame and identically for allsub-frames within an MH frame. More specifically, the MH frame structuremay vary by MH frame units. Thus, an ensemble rate may be adjusted on amore frequent and flexible basis.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of multiple data groups of a single paradebeing assigned (or allocated) to an MH frame. More specifically, FIG. 9illustrates an example of a plurality of data groups included in asingle parade, wherein the number of data groups included in a sub-frameis equal to ‘3’, being allocated to an MH frame.

Referring to FIG. 9, 3 data groups are sequentially assigned to asub-frame at a cycle period of 4 slots. Accordingly, when this processis equally performed in the 5 sub-frames included in the correspondingMH frame, 15 data groups are assigned to a single MH frame. Herein, the15 data groups correspond to data groups included in a parade.Therefore, since one sub-frame is configured of 4 VSB frame, and since 3data groups are included in a sub-frame, the data group of thecorresponding parade is not assigned to one of the 4 VSB frames within asub-frame.

For example, when it is assumed that one parade transmits one RS frame,and that a RS frame encoder (not shown) included in the transmittingsystem performs RS-encoding on the corresponding RS frame, therebyadding 24 bytes of parity data to the corresponding RS frame andtransmitting the processed RS frame, the parity data occupyapproximately 11.37% (=24/(187+24)×100) of the total code word length.Meanwhile, when one sub-frame includes 3 data groups, and when the datagroups included in the parade are assigned, as shown in FIG. 9, a totalof 15 data groups form an RS frame. Accordingly, even when an erroroccurs in an entire data group due to a burst noise within a channel,the percentile is merely 6.67% (=1/15×100). Therefore, the receivingsystem may correct all errors by performing an erasure RS decodingprocess. More specifically, when the erasure RS decoding is performed, anumber of channel errors corresponding to the number of RS parity bytesmay be corrected. By doing so, the receiving system may correct theerror of at least one data group within one parade. Thus, the minimumburst noise length correctable by a RS frame is over 1 VSB frame.

Meanwhile, when data groups of a parade are assigned as shown in FIG. 9,either main service data may be assigned between each data group, ordata groups corresponding to different parades may be assigned betweeneach data group. More specifically, data groups corresponding tomultiple parades may be assigned to one MH frame.

Basically, the method of assigning data groups corresponding to multipleparades is very similar to the method of assigning data groupscorresponding to a single parade. In other words, data groups includedin other parades that are to be assigned to an MH frame are alsorespectively assigned according to a cycle period of 4 slots.

At this point, data groups of a different parade may be sequentiallyassigned to the respective slots in a circular method. Herein, the datagroups are assigned to slots starting from the ones to which data groupsof the previous parade have not yet been assigned.

For example, when it is assumed that data groups corresponding to aparade are assigned as shown in FIG. 9, data groups corresponding to thenext parade may be assigned to a sub-frame starting either from the12^(th) slot of a sub-frame. However, this is merely exemplary. Inanother example, the data groups of the next parade may also besequentially assigned to a different slot within a sub-frame at a cycleperiod of 4 slots starting from the 3^(rd) slot.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example of transmitting 3 parades (Parade #0,Parade #1, and Parade #2) to an MH frame. More specifically, FIG. 10illustrates an example of transmitting parades included in one of 5sub-frames, wherein the 5 sub-frames configure one MH frame.

When the 1^(st) parade (Parade #0) includes 3 data groups for eachsub-frame, the positions of each data groups within the sub-frames maybe obtained by substituting values ‘0’ to ‘2’ for i in Equation 1. Morespecifically, the data groups of the 1^(st) parade (Parade #0) aresequentially assigned to the 1^(st), 5^(th), and 9^(th) slots (Slot #0,Slot #4, and Slot #8) within the sub-frame.

Also, when the 2^(nd) parade includes 2 data groups for each sub-frame,the positions of each data groups within the sub-frames may be obtainedby substituting values ‘3’ and ‘4’ for i in Equation 1. Morespecifically, the data groups of the 2^(nd) parade (Parade #1) aresequentially assigned to the 2^(nd) and 12^(th) slots (Slot #3 and Slot#11) within the sub-frame.

Finally, when the 3^(rd) parade includes 2 data groups for eachsub-frame, the positions of each data groups within the sub-frames maybe obtained by substituting values ‘5’ and ‘6’ for i in Equation 1. Morespecifically, the data groups of the 3^(rd) parade (Parade #2) aresequentially assigned to the 7^(th) and 11^(th) slots (Slot #6 and Slot#10) within the sub-frame.

As described above, data groups of multiple parades may be assigned to asingle MH frame, and, in each sub-frame, the data groups are seriallyallocated to a group space having 4 slots from left to right.

Therefore, a number of groups of one parade per sub-frame (NoG) maycorrespond to any one integer from ‘1’ to ‘8’. Herein, since one MHframe includes 5 sub-frames, the total number of data groups within aparade that can be allocated to an MH frame may correspond to any onemultiple of ‘5’ ranging from ‘5’ to ‘40’.

FIG. 11 illustrates an example of expanding the assignment process of 3parades, shown in FIG. 10, to 5 sub-frames within an MH frame.

FIG. 12 illustrates a data transmission structure according to anembodiment of the present invention, wherein signaling data are includedin a data group so as to be transmitted.

As described above, an MH frame is divided into 5 sub-frames. Datagroups corresponding to a plurality of parades co-exist in eachsub-frame. Herein, the data groups corresponding to each parade aregrouped by MH fram units, thereby configuring a single parade. The datastructure shown in FIG. 12 includes 3 parades, one ESG dedicated channel(EDC) parade (i.e., parade with NoG=1), and 2 service parades (i.e.,parade with NoG=4 and parade with NoG=3). Also, a predetermined portionof each data group (i.e., 37 bytes/data group) is used for delivering(or sending) FIC information associated with mobile service data,wherein the FIC information is separately encoded from the RS-encodingprocess. The FIC region assigned to each data group consists of one FICsegments. Herein, each segment is interleaved by MH sub-frame units,thereby configuring an FIC body, which corresponds to a completed FICtransmission structure. However, whenever required, each segment may beinterleaved by MH frame units and not by MH sub-frame units, therebybeing completed in MH frame units.

Meanwhile, the concept of an MH ensemble is applied in the embodiment ofthe present invention, thereby defining a collection (or group) ofservices. Each MH ensemble carries the same QoS and is coded with thesame FEC code. Also, each MH ensemble has the same unique identifier(i.e., ensemble ID) and corresponds to consecutiveRS frames.

As shown in FIG. 12, the FIC segment corresponding to each data groupdescribed service information of an MH ensemble to which thecorresponding data group belongs. When FIC segments within a sub-frameare grouped and deinterleved, all service information of a physicalchannel through which the corresponding FICs are transmitted may beobtained. Therefore, the receiving system may be able to acquire thechannel information of the corresponding physical channel, after beingprocessed with physical channel tuning, during a sub-frame period.

Furthermore, FIG. 12 illustrates a structure further including aseparate EDC parade apart from the service parade and wherein electronicservice guide (ESG) data are transmitted in the 1^(st) slot of eachsub-frame.

If the digital broadcasting reception system recognizes a frame startpoint or a frame end point of the MH frame (or the MH subframe), thenthe digital broadcasting reception system can set the reference timeinformation to the system time clock at the frame start point or theframe end point. The reference time information can be the network timeprotocol (NTP) timestamp. The detailed description for the referencetime information will be disclosed by being referred to FIGS. 25 to 29.

Hierarchical Signaling Structure

FIG. 13 illustrates a hierarchical signaling structure according to anembodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 13, the mobilebroadcasting techonology according to the embodiment of the presentinvention adopts a signaling method using FIC and SMT. In thedescription of the present invention, the signaling structure will bereferred to as a hierarchical signaling structure.

Hereinafter, a detailed description on how the receiving system accessesa virtual channel via FIC and SMT will now be given with reference toFIG. 13.

The FIC body defined in an MH transport (M1) identifies the physicallocation of each the data stream for each virtual channel and providesvery high level descriptions of each virtual channel.

Being MH ensemble level signaling information, the service map table(SMT) provides MH ensemble level signaling information. The SMT providesthe IP access information of each virtual channel belonging to therespective MH ensemble within which the SMT is carried. The SMT alsoprovides all IP stream component level information required for thevirtual channel service acquisition.

Referring to FIG. 13, each MH ensemble (i.e., Ensemble 0, Ensemble 1, .. . , Ensemble K) includes a stream information on each associated (orcorresponding) virtual channel (e.g., virtual channel 0 IP stream,virtual channel 1 IP stream, and virtual channel 2 IP stream). Forexample, Ensemble 0 includes virtual channel 0 IP stream and virtualchannel 1 IP stream. And, each MH ensemble includes diverse informationon the associated virtual channel (i.e., Virtual Channel 0 Table Entry,Virtual Channel 0 Access Info, Virtual Channel 1 Table Entry, VirtualChannel 1 Access Info, Virtual Channel 2 Table Entry, Virtual Channel 2Access Info, Virtual Channel N Table Entry, Virtual Channel N AccessInfo, and so on).

The FIC body payload includes information on MH ensembles (e.g.,ensemble_id field, and referred to as “ensemble location” in FIG. 13)and information on a virtual channel associated with the correspondingMH ensemble (e.g., when such information corresponds to a major_channelnum field and a minor_channel num field, the information is expressed asVirtual Channel 0, Virtual Channel 1, . . . , Virtual Channel N in FIG.13).

The application of the signaling structure in the receiving system willnow be described in detail.

When a user selects a channel he or she wishes to view (hereinafter, theuser-selected channel will be referred to as “channel θ” forsimplicity), the receiving system first parses the received FIC. Then,the receiving system acquires information on an MH ensemble (i.e.,ensemble location), which is associated with the virtual channelcorresponding to channel θ (hereinafter, the corresponding MH ensemblewill be referred to as “MH ensemble θ” for simplicity). By acquiringslots only corresponding to the MH ensemble θ using the time-slicingmethod, the receiving system configures ensemble θ. The ensemble θconfigured as described above, includes an SMT on the associated virtualchannels (including channel θ) and IP streams on the correspondingvirtual channels. Therefore, the receiving system uses the SMT includedin the MH ensemble θ in order to acquire various information on channelθ (e.g., Virtual Channel θ Table Entry) and stream access information onchannel θ (e.g., Virtual Channel θ Access Info). The receiving systemuses the stream access information on channel θ to receive only theassociated IP streams, thereby providing channel θ services to the user.

Fast Information Channel (FIC)

The digital broadcast receiving system according to the presentinvention adopts the fast information channel (FIC) for a faster accessto a service that is currently being broadcasted.

More specifically, the FIC handler 215 of FIG. 1 parses the FIC body,which corresponds to an FIC transmission structure, and outputs theparsed result to the physical adaptation control signal handler 216.

FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary FIC body format according to anembodiment of the present invention. According to the embodiment of thepresent invention, the FIC format consists of an FIC body header and anFIC body payload.

Meanwhile, according to the embodiment of the present invention, dataare transmitted through the FIC body header and the FIC body payload inFIC segment units. Each FIC segment has the size of 37 bytes, and eachFIC segment consists of a 2-byte FIC segment header and a 35-byte FICsegment payload. More specifically, an FIC body configured of an FICbody header and an FIC body payload, is segmented in units of 35 databytes, which are then carried in at least one FIC segment within the FICsegment payload, so as to be transmitted.

In the description of the present invention, an example of inserting oneFIC segment in one data group, which is then transmitted, will be given.In this case, the receiving system receives a slot corresponding to eachdata group by using a time-slicing method.

The signaling decoder 190 included in the receiving system shown in FIG.1 collects each FIC segment inserted in each data group. Then, thesignaling decoder 190 uses the collected FIC segments to created asingle FIC body. Thereafter, the signaling decoder 190 performs adecoding process on the FIC body payload of the created FIC body, sothat the decoded FIC body payload corresponds to an encoded result of asignaling encoder (not shown) included in the transmitting system.Subsequently, the decoded FIC body payload is outputted to the FIChandler 215. The FIC handler 215 parses the FIC data included in the FICbody payload, and then outputs the parsed FIC data to the physicaladaptation control signal handler 216. The physical adaptation controlsignal handler 216 uses the inputted FIC data to perform processesassociated with MH ensembles, virtual channels, SMTs, and so on.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, when an FIC body issegmented, and when the size of the last segmented portion is smallerthan 35 data bytes, it is assumed that the lacking number of data bytesin the FIC segment payload is completed with by adding the same numberof stuffing bytes therein, so that the size of the last FIC segment canbe equal to 35 data bytes.

However, it is apparent that the above-described data byte values (i.e.,37 bytes for the FIC segment, 2 bytes for the FIC segment header, and 35bytes for the FIC segment payload) are merely exemplary, and will,therefore, not limit the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary bit stream syntax structure withrespect to an FIC segment according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

Herein, the FIC segment signifies a unit used for transmitting the FICdata. The FIC segment consists of an FIC segment header and an FICsegment payload. Referring to FIG. 15, the FIC segment payloadcorresponds to the portion starting from the ‘for’ loop statement.Meanwhile, the FIC segment header may include a FIC_type field, anerror_indicator field, an FIC_seg_number field, and anFIC_last_seg_number field. A detailed description of each field will nowbe given.

The FIC_type field is a 2-bit field indicating the type of thecorresponding FIC.

The error_indicator field is a 1-bit field, which indicates whether ornot an error has occurred within the FIC segment during datatransmission. If an error has occurred, the value of the error_indicatorfield is set to ‘1’. More specifically, when an error that has failed tobe recovered still remains during the configuration process of the FICsegment, the error_indicator field value is set to ‘1’. Theerror_indicator field enables the receiving system to recognize thepresence of an error within the FIC data.

The FIC_seg_number field is a 4-bit field. Herein, when a single FICbody is divided into a plurality of FIC segments and transmitted, theFIC_seg_number field indicates the number of the corresponding FICsegment.

Finally, the FIC_last_seg_number field is also a 4-bit field. TheFIC_last_seg_number field indicates the number of the last FIC segmentwithin the corresponding FIC body.

FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary bit stream syntax structure withrespect to a payload of an FIC segment according to the presentinvention, when an FIC type field value is equal to ‘0’.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, the payload of theFIC segment is divided into 3 different regions. A first region of theFIC segment payload exists only when the FIC_seg_number field value isequal to ‘0’. Herein, the first region may include acurrent_next_indicator field, an ESG_version field, and atransport_stream_id field. However, depending upon the embodiment of thepresent invention, it may be assumed that each of the 3 fields existsregardless of the FIC_seg_number field.

The current_next_indicator field is a 1-bit field. Thecurrent_next_indicator field acts as an indicator identifying whetherthe corresponding FIC data carry MH ensemble configuration informationof an MH frame including the current FIC segment, or whether thecorresponding FIC data carry MH ensemble configuration information of anext MH frame.

The ESG_version field is a 5-bit field indicating ESG versioninformation. Herein, by providing version information on the serviceguide providing channel of the corresponding ESG, the ESG_version fieldenables the receiving system to notify whether or not the correspondingESG has been updated.

Finally, the transport_stream_id field is a 16-bit field acting as aunique identifier of a broadcast stream through which the correspondingFIC segment is being transmitted.

A second region of the FIC segment payload corresponds to an ensembleloop region, which includes an ensemble_id field, an SI_version field,and a num_channel field.

More specifically, the ensemble_id field is an 8-bit field indicatingidentifiers of an MH ensemble through which MH services are transmitted.The MH services will be described in more detail in a later process.Herein, the ensemble_id field binds the MH services and the MH ensemble.

The SI_version field is a 4-bit field indicating version information ofSI data included in the corresponding ensemble, which is beingtransmitted within the RS frame.

Finally, the num_channel field is an 8-bit field indicating the numberof virtual channel being transmitted via the corresponding ensemble.

A third region of the FIC segment payload a channel loop region, whichincludes a channel_type field, a channel_activity field, a CA_indicatorfield, a stand_alone_service_indicator field, a major_channel_num field,and a minor_channel_num field.

The channel_type field is a 5-bit field indicating a service type of thecorresponding virtual channel. For example, the channel_type field mayindicates an audio/video channel, an audio/video and data channel, anaudio-only channel, a data-only channel, a file download channel, an ESGdelivery channel, a notification channel, and so on.

The channel_activity field is a 2-bit field indicating activityinformation of the corresponding virtual channel. More specifically, thechannel_activity field may indicate whether the current virtual channelis providing the current service.

The CA_indicator field is a 1-bit field indicating whether or not aconditional access (CA) is applied to the current virtual channel.

The stand_alone_service_indicator field is also a 1-bit field, whichindicates whether the service of the corresponding virtual channelcorresponds to a stand alone service.

The major_channel_num field is an 8-bit field indicating a major_channelnumber of the corresponding virtual channel.

Finally, the minor_channel_num field is also an 8-bit field indicating aminor channel number of the corresponding virtual channel.

Service Table Map

FIG. 17 illustrates an exemplary bit stream syntax structure of aservice map table (hereinafter referred to as “SMT”) according to thepresent invention.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, the SMT isconfigured in an MPEG-2 private section format. However, this will notlimit the scope and spirit of the present invention. The SMT accordingto the embodiment of the present invention includes descriptioninformation for each virtual channel within a single MH ensemble. And,additional information may further be included in each descriptor area.

Herein, the SMT according to the embodiment of the present inventionincludes at least one field and is transmitted from the transmittingsystem to the receiving system.

As described in FIG. 3, the SMT section may be transmitted by beingincluded in the MH TP within the RS frame. In this case, each of the RSframe decoders 170 and 180, shown in FIG. 1, decodes the inputted RSframe, respectively. Then, each of the decoded RS frames is outputted tothe respective RS frame handler 211 and 212. Thereafter, each RS framehandler 211 and 212 identifies the inputted RS frame by row units, so asto create an MH TP, thereby outputting the created MH TP to the MH TPhandler 213. When it is determined that the corresponding MH TP includesan SMT section based upon the header in each of the inputted MH TP, theMH TP handler 213 parses the corresponding SMT section, so as to outputthe SI data within the parsed SMT section to the physical adaptationcontrol signal handler 216. However, this is limited to when the SMT isnot encapsulated to IP datagrams.

Meanwhile, when the SMT is not encapsulated to IP datagrams, and when itis determined that the corresponding MH TP includes an SMT section basedupon the header in each of the inputted MH TP, the MH TP handler 213outputs the SMT section to the IP network stack 220. Accordingly, the IPnetwork stack 220 performs IP and UDP processes on the inputted SMTsection and, then, outputs the processed SMT section to the SI handler240. The SI handler 240 parses the inputted SMT section and controls thesystem so that the parsed SI data can be stored in the storage unit 290.

The following corresponds to example of the fields that may betransmitted through the SMT.

The table_id field corresponds to an 8-bit unsigned integer number,which indicates the type of table section. The table_id field allows thecorresponding table to be defined as the service map table (SMT).

The ensemble_id field is an 8-bit unsigned integer field, whichcorresponds to an ID value associated to the corresponding MH ensemble.Herein, the ensemble_id field may be assigned with a value ranging fromrange ‘0x00’ to ‘0x3F’. It is preferable that the value of theensemble_id field is derived from the parade_id of the TPC data, whichis carried from the baseband processor of MH physical layer subsystem.When the corresponding MH ensemble is transmitted through (or carriedover) the primary RS frame, a value of ‘0’ may be used for the mostsignificant bit (MSB), and the remaining 7 bits are used as theparade_id value of the associated MH parade (i.e., for the leastsignificant 7 bits). Alternatively, when the corresponding MH ensembleis transmitted through (or carried over) the secondary RS frame, a valueof ‘1’ may be used for the most significant bit (MSB).

The num_channels field is an 8-bit field, which specifies the number ofvirtual channels in the corresponding SMT section.

Meanwhile, the SMT according to the embodiment of the present inventionprovides information on a plurality of virtual channels using the ‘for’loop statement.

The major_channel_num field corresponds to an 8-bit field, whichrepresents the major channel number associated with the correspondingvirtual channel. Herein, the major_channel_num field may be assignedwith a value ranging from ‘0x00’ to ‘0xFF’.

The minor_channel_num field corresponds to an 8-bit field, whichrepresents the minor channel number associated with the correspondingvirtual channel. Herein, the minor_channel_num field may be assignedwith a value ranging from ‘0x00’ to ‘0xFF’.

The short_channel_name field indicates the short name of the virtualchannel.

The service_id field is a 16-bit unsigned integer number (or value),which identifies the virtual channel service.

The service_type field is a 6-bit enumerated type field, whichdesignates the type of service carried in the corresponding virtualchannel as defined in Table 2 below.

TABLE 2 0x00 [Reserved] 0x01 MH_digital_television field: the virtualchannel carries television programming (audio, video and optionalassociated data) conforming to ATSC standards. 0x02 MH_audio field: thevirtual channel carries audio programming (audio service and optionalassociated data) conforming to ATSC standards. 0x03 MH_data_only_servicefield: the virtual channel carries a data service conforming to ATSCstandards, but no video or audio component. 0x04 to [Reserved for futureATSC usage] 0xFF

The virtual_channel_activity field is a 2-bit enumerated fieldidentifying the activity status of the corresponding virtual channel.When the most significant bit (MSB) of the virtual_channel_activityfield is ‘1’, the virtual channel is active, and when the mostsignificant bit (MSB) of the virtual_channel_activity field is ‘0’, thevirtual channel is inactive. Also, when the least significant bit (LSB)of the virtual_channel_activity field is ‘1’, the virtual channel ishidden (when set to 1), and when the least significant bit (LSB) of thevirtual_channel_activity field is ‘0’, the virtual channel is nothidden.

The num_components field is a 5-bit field, which specifies the number ofIP stream components in the corresponding virtual channel.

The IP_version_flag field corresponds to a 1-bit indicator. Morespecifically, when the value of the IP_version_flag field is set to ‘1’,this indicates that a source_IP_address field, avirtual_channel_target_IP_address field, and acomponent_target_IP_address field are IPv6 addresses. Alternatively,when the value of the IP_version_flag field is set to ‘0’, thisindicates that the source_IP_address field, thevirtual_channel_target_IP_address field, and thecomponent_target_IP_address field are IPv4.

The source_IP_address_flag field is a 1-bit Boolean flag, whichindicates, when set, that a source IP address of the correspondingvirtual channel exist for a specific multicast source.

The virtual_channel_target_IP_address_flag field is a 1-bit Booleanflag, which indicates, when set, that the corresponding IP streamcomponent is delivered through IP datagrams with target IP addressesdifferent from the virtual_channel_target_IP_address. Therefore, whenthe flag is set, the receiving system (or receiver) uses thecomponent_target_IP_address as the target_IP_address in order to accessthe corresponding IP stream component. Accordingly, the receiving system(or receiver) may ignore the virtual_channel_target_IP_address fieldincluded in the num_channels loop.

The source_IP_address field corresponds to a 32-bit or 128-bit field.Herein, the source_IP_address field will be significant (or present),when the value of the source_IP_address_flag field is set to ‘1’.However, when the value of the source_IP_address_flag field is set to‘0’, the source_IP_address field will become insignificant (or absent).More specifically, when the source_IP_address_flag field value is set to‘1’, and when the IP_version_flag field value is set to ‘0’, thesource_IP_address field indicates a 32-bit IPv4 address, which shows thesource of the corresponding virtual channel. Alternatively, when theIP_version_flag field value is set to ‘1’, the source_IP_address fieldindicates a 128-bit IPv6 address, which shows the source of thecorresponding virtual channel.

The virtual_channel_target_IP_address field also corresponds to a 32-bitor 128-bit field. Herein, the virtual_channel_target_IP_address fieldwill be significant (or present), when the value of thevirtual_channel_target_IP_address_flag field is set to ‘1’. However,when the value of the virtual_channel_target_IP_address_flag field isset to ‘0’, the virtual_channel_target_IP_address field will becomeinsignificant (or absent). More specifically, when thevirtual_channel_target_IP_address_flag field value is set to ‘1’, andwhen the IP_version_flag field value is set to ‘0’, thevirtual_channel_target_IP_address field indicates a 32-bit target IPv4address associated to the corresponding virtual channel. Alternatively,when the virtual_channel_target_IP_address_flag field value is set to‘1’, and when the IP_version_flag field value is set to ‘1’, thevirtual_channel_target_IP_address field indicates a 64-bit target IPv6address associated to the corresponding virtual channel. If thevirtual_channel_target_IP_address field is insignificant (or absent),the component_target_IP_address field within the num_channels loopshould become significant (or present). And, in order to enable thereceiving system to access the IP stream component, thecomponent_target_IP_address field should be used.

Meanwhile, the SMT according to the embodiment of the present inventionuses a ‘for’ loop statement in order to provide information on aplurality of components.

Herein, the RTP_payload_type field, which is assigned with 7 bits,identifies the encoding format of the component based upon Table 3 shownbelow. When the IP stream component is not encapsulated to RTP, theRTP_payload_type field shall be ignored (or deprecated).

Table 3 below shows an example of an RTP payload type.

TABLE 3 RTP_payload_type Meaning 35 AVC video 36 MH audio 37 to 72[Reserved for future ATSC use]

The component_target_IP_address_flag field is a 1-bit Boolean flag,which indicates, when set, that the corresponding IP stream component isdelivered through IP datagrams with target IP addresses different fromthe virtual_channel_target_IP_address. Furthermore, when thecomponent_target_IP_address_flag is set, the receiving system (orreceiver) uses the component_target_IP_address field as the target IPaddress for accessind the corresponding IP stream component.Accordingly, the receiving system (or receiver) will ignore thevirtual_channel_target_IP_address field included in the num_channelsloop.

The component_target_IP_address field corresponds to a 32-bit or 128-bitfield. Herein, when the value of the IP_version_flag field is set to‘0’, the component_target_IP_address field indicates a 32-bit targetIPv4 address associated to the corresponding IP stream component. And,when the value of the IP_version_flag field is set to ‘1’, thecomponent_target_IP_address field indicates a 128-bit target IPv6address associated to the corresponding IP stream component.

The port_num_count field is a 6-bit field, which indicates the number ofUDP ports associated with the corresponding IP stream component. Atarget UDP port number value starts from the target_UDP_port_num fieldvalue and increases (or is incremented) by 1. For the RTP stream, thetarget UDP port number should start from the target_UDP_port_num fieldvalue and shall increase (or be incremented) by 2. This is toincorporate RTCP streams associated with the RTP streams.

The target_UDP_port_num field is a 16-bit unsigned integer field, whichrepresents the target UDP port number for the corresponding IP streamcomponent. When used for RTP streams, the value of thetarget_UDP_port_num field shall correspond to an even number. And, thenext higher value shall represent the target UDP port number of theassociated RTCP stream.

The component_level_descriptor( ) represents zero or more descriptorsproviding additional information on the corresponding IP streamcomponent.

The virtual_channel_level_descriptor( ) represents zero or moredescriptors providing additional information for the correspondingvirtual channel.

The ensemble_level_descriptor( ) represents zero or more descriptorsproviding additional information for the MH ensemble, which is describedby the corresponding SMT.

FIG. 18 illustrates an exemplary bit stream syntax structure of an MHaudio descriptor according to the present invention. When at least oneaudio service is present as a component of the current event, theMH_audio_descriptor( ) shall be used as a component_level_descriptor ofthe SMT. The MH_audio_descriptor( ) may be capable of informing thesystem of the audio language type and stereo mode status. If there is noaudio service associated with the current event, then it is preferablethat the MH_audio_descriptor( ) is considered to be insignificant (orabsent) for the current event. Each field shown in the bit stream syntaxof FIG. 18 will now be described in detail.

The descriptor_tag field is an 8-bit unsigned integer having a TBDvalue, which indicates that the corresponding descriptor is theMH_audio_descriptor( ). The descriptor_length field is also an 8-bitunsigned integer, which indicates the length (in bytes) of the portionimmediately following the descriptor_length field up to the end of theMH_audio_descriptor( ). The channel_configuration field corresponds toan 8-bit field indicating the number and configuration of audiochannels. The values ranging from ‘1’ to ‘6’ respectively indicate thenumber and configuration of audio channels as given for “Default bitstream index number” in Table 42 of ISO/IEC 13818-7:2006. All othervalues indicate that the number and configuration of audio channels areundefined.

The sample_rate_code field is a 3-bit field, which indicates the samplerate of the encoded audio data. Herein, the indication may correspond toone specific sample rate, or may correspond to a set of values thatinclude the sample rate of the encoded audio data as defined in TableA3.3 of ATSC A/52B. The bit_rate_code field corresponds to a 6-bitfield. Herein, among the 6 bits, the lower 5 bits indicate a nominal bitrate. More specifically, when the most significant bit (MSB) is ‘0’, thecorresponding bit rate is exact. On the other hand, when the mostsignificant bit (MSB) is ‘0’, the bit rate corresponds to an upper limitas defined in Table A3.4 of ATSC A/53B. The ISO_(—)639_language_codefield is a 24-bit (i.e., 3-byte) field indicating the language used forthe audio stream component, in conformance with ISO 639.2/B [x]. When aspecific language is not present in the corresponding audio streamcomponent, the value of each byte will be set to ‘0x00’.

FIG. 19 illustrates an exemplary bit stream syntax structure of an MHRTP payload type descriptor according to the present invention.

The MH_RTP_payload_type_descriptor( ) specifies the RTP payload type.Yet, the MH_RTP_payload_type_descriptor( ) exists only when the dynamicvalue of the RTP_payload_type field within the num_components loop ofthe SMT is in the range of ‘96’ to ‘127’. TheMH_RTP_payload_type_descriptor( ) is used as acomponent_level_descriptor of the SMT.

The MH_RTP_payload_type_descriptor translates (or matches) a dynamicRTP_payload_type field value into (or with) a MIME type. Accordingly,the receiving system (or receiver) may collect (or gather) the encodingformat of the IP stream component, which is encapsulated in RTP.

The fields included in the MH_RTP_payload_type_descriptor( ) will now bedescribed in detail.

The descriptor_tag field corresponds to an 8-bit unsigned integer havingthe value TBD, which identifies the current descriptor as theMH_RTP_payload_type_descriptor( ).

The descriptor_length field also corresponds to an 8-bit unsignedinteger, which indicates the length (in bytes) of the portionimmediately following the descriptor_length field up to the end of theMH_RTP_payload_type_descriptor( ).

The RTP_payload_type field corresponds to a 7-bit field, whichidentifies the encoding format of the IP stream component. Herein, thedynamic value of the RTP_payload_type field is in the range of ‘96’ to‘127’.

The MIME_type_length field specifies the length (in bytes) of theMIME_type field.

The MIME_type field indicates the MIME type corresponding to theencoding format of the IP stream component, which is described by theMH_RTP_payload_type_descriptor( ).

FIG. 20 illustrates an exemplary bit stream syntax structure of an MHcurrent event descriptor according to the present invention.

The MH_current_event_descriptor( ) shall be used as thevirtual_channel_level_descriptor( ) within the SMT. Herein, theMH_current_event_descriptor( ) provides basic information on the currentevent (e.g., the start time, duration, and title of the current event,etc.), which is transmitted via the respective virtual channel.

The fields included in the MH_current_event_descriptor( ) will now bedescribed in detail.

The descriptor_tag field corresponds to an 8-bit unsigned integer havingthe value TBD, which identifies the current descriptor as theMH_current_event_descriptor( ).

The descriptor_length field also corresponds to an 8-bit unsignedinteger, which indicates the length (in bytes) of the portionimmediately following the descriptor_length field up to the end of theMH_current_event_descriptor( ).

The current_event_start_time field corresponds to a 32-bit unsignedinteger quantity. The current_event_start_time field represents thestart time of the current event and, more specifically, as the number ofGPS seconds since 00:00:00 UTC, Jan. 6, 1980.

The current_event_duration field corresponds to a 24-bit field. Herein,the current_event_duration field indicates the duration of the currentevent in hours, minutes, and seconds (wherein the format is in 6 digits,4-bit BCD=24 bits).

The title_length field specifies the length (in bytes) of the title_textfield. Herein, the value ‘0’ indicates that there are no titles existingfor the corresponding event.

The title_text field indicates the title of the corresponding event inevent title in the format of a multiple string structure as defined inATSC A/65C [x].

FIG. 21 illustrates an exemplary bit stream syntax structure of an MHnext event descriptor according to the present invention.

The optional MH_next_event_descriptor( ) shall be used as thevirtual_channel_level_descriptor( ) within the SMT. Herein, theMH_next_event_descriptor( ) provides basic information on the next event(e.g., the start time, duration, and title of the next event, etc.),which is transmitted via the respective virtual channel. The fieldsincluded in the

MH_next_event_descriptor( ) will now be described in detail.

The descriptor_tag field corresponds to an 8-bit unsigned integer havingthe value TBD, which identifies the current descriptor as theMH_next_event_descriptor( ).

The descriptor_length field also corresponds to an 8-bit unsignedinteger, which indicates the length (in bytes) of the portionimmediately following the descriptor_length field up to the end of theMH_next_event_descriptor( ).

The next_event_start_time field corresponds to a 32-bit unsigned integerquantity. The next_event_start_time field represents the start time ofthe next event and, more specifically, as the number of GPS secondssince 00:00:00 UTC, Jan. 6, 1980.

The next_event_duration field corresponds to a 24-bit field. Herein, thenext_event_duration field indicates the duration of the next event inhours, minutes, and seconds (wherein the format is in 6 digits, 4-bitBCD=24 bits).

The title_length field specifies the length (in bytes) of the title_textfield. Herein, the value ‘0’ indicates that there are no titles existingfor the corresponding event.

The title_text field indicates the title of the corresponding event inevent title in the format of a multiple string structure as defined inATSC A/65C [x].

FIG. 22 illustrates an exemplary bit stream syntax structure of anMH_system_time_descriptor according to the present invention.

The MH_system_time_descriptor( ) shall be used as theensemble_level_descriptor( ) within the SMT. Herein, theMH_system_time_descriptor( ) provides information on current time anddate.

The MH_system_time_descriptor( ) also provides information on the timezone in which the transmitting system (or transmitter) transmitting thecorresponding broadcast stream is located, while taking intoconsideration the mobile/portable characterstics of the MH service data.The fields included in the MH_system_time_descriptor( ) will now bedescribed in detail.

The descriptor_tag field corresponds to an 8-bit unsigned integer havingthe value TBD, which identifies the current descriptor as theMH_system_time_descriptor( ).

The descriptor_length field also corresponds to an 8-bit unsignedinteger, which indicates the length (in bytes) of the portionimmediately following the descriptor_length field up to the end of theMH_system_time_descriptor( ).

The system_time field corresponds to a 32-bit unsigned integer quantity.The system_time field represents the current system time and, morespecifically, as the number of GPS seconds since 00:00:00 UTC, Jan. 6,1980.

The GPS_UTC_offset field corresponds to an 8-bit unsigned integer, whichdefines the current offset in whole seconds between GPS and UTC timestandards. In order to convert GPS time to UTC time, the GPS_UTC_offsetis subtracted from GPS time. Whenever the International Bureau ofWeights and Measures decides that the current offset is too far inerror, an additional leap second may be added (or subtracted).Accordingly, the GPS_UTC_offset field value will reflect the change.

The time_zone_offset_polarity field is a 1-bit field, which indicateswhether the time of the time zone, in which the broadcast station islocated, exceeds (or leads or is faster) or falls behind (or lags or isslower) than the UTC time. When the value of thetime_zone_offset_polarity field is equal to ‘0’, this indicates that thetime on the current time zone exceeds the UTC time. Therefore, thetime_zone_offset_polarity field value is added to the UTC time value.Conversely, when the value of the time_zone_offset_polarity field isequal to ‘1’, this indicates that the time on the current time zonefalls behind the UTC time. Therefore, the time_zone_offset_polarityfield value is subtracted from the UTC time value.

The time_zone_offset field is a 31-bit unsigned integer quantity. Morespecifically, the time_zone_offset field represents, in GPS seconds, thetime offset of the time zone in which the broadcast station is located,when compared to the UTC time.

The daylight_savings field corresponds to a 16-bit field providinginformation on the Summer Time (i.e., the Daylight Savings Time). Thetime_zone field corresponds to a (5×8)-bit field indicating the timezone, in which the transmitting system (or transmitter) transmitting thecorresponding broadcast stream is located.

FIG. 23 illustrates segmentation and encapsulation processes of aservice map table (SMT) according to the present invention.

According to the present invention, the SMT is encapsulated to UDP,while including a target IP address and a target UDP port number withinthe IP datagram.

More specifically, the SMT is first segmented into a predeterminednumber of sections, then encapsulated to a UDP header, and finallyencapsulated to an IP header. In addition, the SMT section providessignaling information on all virtual channel included in the MH ensembleincluding the corresponding SMT section. At least one SMT sectiondescribing the MH ensemble is included in each RS frame included in thecorresponding MH ensemble. Finally, each SMT section is identified by anensemble_id included in each section. According to the embodiment of thepresent invention, by informing the receiving system of the target IPaddress and target UDP port number, the corresponding data (i.e., targetIP address and target UDP port number) may be parsed without having thereceiving system to request for other additional information.

FIG. 24 illustrates a flow chart for accessing a virtual channel usingFIC and SMT according to the present invention.

More specifically, a physical channel is tuned (S501). And, when it isdetermined that an MH signal exists in the tuned physical channel(S502), the corresponding MH signal is demodulated (S503). Additionally,FIC segments are grouped from the demodulated MH signal in sub-frameunits (S504 and S505).

According to the embodiment of the present invention, an FIC segment isinserted in a data group, so as to be transmitted. More specifically,the FIC segment corresponding to each data group described serviceinformation on the MH ensemble to which the corresponding data groupbelongs. When the FIC segments are grouped in sub-frame units and, then,deinterleaved, all service information on the physical channel throughwhich the corresponding FIC segment is transmitted may be acquired.Therefore, after the tuning process, the receiving system may acquirechannel information on the corresponding physical channel during asub-frame period. Once the FIC segments are grouped, in S504 and S505, abroadcast stream through which the corresponding FIC segment is beingtransmitted is identified (S506). For example, the broadcast stream maybe identified by parsing the transport_stream_id field of the FIC body,which is configured by grouping the FIC segments.

Furthermore, an ensemble identifier, a major channel number, a minorchannel number, channel type information, and so on, are extracted fromthe FIC body (S507). And, by using the extracted ensemble information,only the slots corresponding to the designated ensemble are acquired byusing the time-slicing method, so as to configure an ensemble (S508).

Subsequently, the RS frame corresponding to the designated ensemble isdecoded (S509), and an IP socket is opened for SMT reception (S510).

According to the example given in the embodiment of the presentinvention, the SMT is encapsulated to UDP, while including a target IPaddress and a target UDP port number within the IP datagram. Morespecifically, the SMT is first segmented into a predetermined number ofsections, then encapsulated to a UDP header, and finally encapsulated toan IP header. According to the embodiment of the present invention, byinforming the receiving system of the target IP address and target UDPport number, the receiving system parses the SMT sections and thedescriptors of each SMT section without requesting for other additionalinformation (S511).

The SMT section provides signaling information on all virtual channelincluded in the MH ensemble including the corresponding SMT section. Atleast one SMT section describing the MH ensemble is included in each RSframe included in the corresponding MH ensemble. Also, each SMT sectionis identified by an ensemble_id included in each section.

Furthermore each SMT provides IP access information on each virtualchannel subordinate to the corresponding MH ensemble including each SMT.Finally, the SMT provides IP stream component level information requiredfor the servicing of the corresponding virtual channel.

Therefore, by using the information parsed from the SMT, the IP streamcomponent belonging to the virtual channel requested for reception maybe accessed (S513). Accordingly, the service associated with thecorresponding virtual channel is provided to the user (S514).

The Relation of Fast Information Channel Data and Other Data

As illustrated above, the MH broadcast signal, in which the main servicedata and the mobile service data are multiplexed, is transmitted. Thetransmission parameter channel signaling information is allocated in theTPC data, the fast information channel signaling information isallocated in the FIC data.

The TPC data and the FIC data are multiplexed and the multiplexed TPCdata and the FIC data are randomized. And the randomized data areerror-correction-encoded by a ¼ Parallel Concatenated Convolutional Code(PCCC) encoding scheme and the encoded data transmitted in a data group.

Meanwhile, the mobile service data in an ensemble iserror-correction-encoded by a Serial Concatenated Convolutional Code(SCCC) outer encoding scheme and the encoded data transmitted in thedata group.

The mobile service data includes content data for providing a serviceand service table information describing the service. The service tableinformation includes channel information of an ensemble, which means agroup of at least one channel, and service description information withrespect to the channel information.

Hereinafter, for convenience of description, when data units in the samedata group are processed by different modulation/demodulation schemes,it is described that the respective data units are transmitted by way ofdifferent data channels, For example, both the TPC data and the FIC dataare transmitted by way of a first channel different from a secondchannel in which the content data and the service descriptioninformation in an ensemble are transmitted. Because the TPC data and theFIC data are processed by different modulation/demodulation schemes fromthose of the content data and the service description information.

Under this assumption, a process by which the MH broadcast signal isreceived is described. First, the mobile service data and the mainservice data are received in a broadcast signal. A version of the FICdata is obtained from the TPC data in the mobile service data, and thebinding information of an ensemble and a virtual channel of the ensembleis obtained from the FIC data. Accordingly, it is known that whichensemble has the channel a user selects.

And the ensemble transferring the corresponding channel is receivedthough a parade of the broadcast signal. The data group can be obtainedfrom the parade received by the receiver, a RS frame including theensemble is obtained after gathering data groups from one MH frame. Thenthe RS frame is decoded and service table information in the decoded RSframe is parsed. The information describing the virtual channel the userwants to watch is obtained from the parsed service table information andthen a service is provided from the virtual channel.

The FIC data from a first data channel represents binding information ofan ensemble and a virtual channel, which are transmitted from a seconddata channel. Using the binding information, the service is providedmore quickly by parsing the service table information.

If the main service data and the multiplexed mobile service data arereceived, an embodiment for processing mobile service data at a constantbitrate and another embodiment will hereinafter be described. In thisanother embodiment, digital broadcast reception systems synchronizemobile services contained in the broadcast signal are synchronized anddisplayed, and components contained in the mobile service contents aresynchronized and displayed.

FIG. 25 shows a timing model. If video components and audio componentsare transmitted, an example for synchronizing two components is asfollows.

Each of the video component and the audio component is encoded, suchthat the encoded components can be stored in buffers of the dataprocessing system and the transmission system.

Audio/video components stored in buffers of the data processing systemor the transmission system are encoded and multiplexed, such that themultiplexed signals may be stored or transmitted.

A playback system or a reception system may decode or demultiplexmultiplexed video/audio signals stored in the buffers. The demultiplexedvideo component or the demultiplexed audio component is stored in thebuffer of the playback system or the reception system, such that theresulting video and audio components are decoded by individual decoders.

The video and audio components to be synchronized in the above-mentionedsignal processing flow undergo different time delays. For example, it isassumed that this timing model has a first constant time delay generatedwhen data is stored in or transmitted to the storage apparatus. Thistime delay is represented by “Constant Delay 1” in FIG. 25

A specific time, during which data is temporarily stored in the bufferof a data processing system, a transmission system, a playback system,or a reception system, may be differently decided according to systemtypes, such that the video/audio components are time-delayed indifferent ways. This time delay is represented by “Variable Delay” inFIG. 25

However, in order to synchronize the video/audio components and outputthe synchronized components, it is assumed that another time delay isconstant until the video and audio components enter the timing model andare then outputted from the timing model. This time delay is representedby “Constant Delay 2” in FIG. 25.

Since the above-mentioned timing model is not operated, the video/audiocomponents are not synchronized with each other, such that the user mayfeel uncomfortable if he or she receives content data includingvideo/audio components. In order to solve this problem, the MPEG-2 TSsystem defines a system time clock as the value of 27 MHz, and thevideo/audio components are synchronized with each other.

In accordance with contents prescribed in the MPEG-2 TS system, atransmission system, performs PCR (Program Clock Reference)-coding on asystem time clock frequency, and transmits the coded result to thereception system. This PCR value indicates a transmission system time asthe value of 27 MHz in a field ‘program_clock_reference_base_field’ ofthe MPEG-2 TS.

The reception system sets a reception time of the last bit of the field‘program_clock_reference_base_field’ to a system time clock (STC). Ifthe STC value corrected by the PCR is equal to a decoding time stamp(DTP) and a presentation time stamp (PTS) contained in a packetizedelementary stream (PES), a corresponding elementary stream is decoded,and the decoded elementary stream is output to an external part.

It is assumed that a system time clock error range of 27 MHz in theMPEG-2 TS system is set to +/−810 MHz, and successive PCR values aretransmitted within 0.1 second.

In the digital broadcast reception system, input signals of the MPEG-2system decoder are used as output signal of a tuner or a channeldecoder. In order to maintain a constant bitrate of a broadcast streamduring the processing time of broadcast signals, all the constituentcomponents of the digital broadcast reception system are operated. Ifmobile service data such as MH broadcast signals is discontinuouslyreceived on a time axis, a digital broadcast reception system is able toreduce an amount of power consumption using the time slicing scheme.

FIG. 26 shows time-variant bitrates provided when signals aretransmitted and received by the time slicing scheme. For example, if afirst service event (service 1) and a second service event (service 2)are received by a parade of MH broadcast signals (i.e., if the first andsecond service events are received in the order of Parade Index 1,Parade Index 2, and Parade Index 3), the amount of transmitted broadcastsignals is not constant with time. It is assumed that the same dataquantity as that of the above case in which the digital broadcastreception system receives mobile service data using the time slicingscheme is received at an average bitrate. It is assumed that a bandwidthof the mobile service data received by the time slicing scheme is largerthan a bandwidth of the other case capable of receiving data at theaverage bitrate by N times. If data is received according to the twoschemes, it is assumed that an amount of data for use in one scheme isequal to that of the other scheme.

Thus, although an amount of data for use in one case in which thedigital broadcast reception system receives broadcast signals using thetime slicing scheme is equal to that of the other case in which thedigital broadcast reception system continuously receives broadcastsignals, an amount of power consumption of the one case is less thanthat of the other case by 1/N+a.

However, if broadcast signals are received in the form of a paradeaccording to the time slicing scheme, the digital broadcast receptionsystem is unable to receive the broadcast signals at a constant bitrate.So, if the broadcast signals are continuously received, decoded andoutputted, the digital broadcast reception system may have difficulty inmanaging its own buffer. For example, if the time reference value isencoded at times t1 and t2 (denoted by X) and data is transmitted by theMPEG-2 TS scheme, the encoded time reference field value may bedifferent from an actual system time reference. For example, a timereference value encoded at the t2 time may correspond to a timereference value obtained at a t3 time on the condition that broadcastsignals are received at an average bitrate. If the time reference valueare transmitted and received by the above scheme, an additional buffermay be installed in the digital broadcast reception system, broadcastsignals received in the form of a parade may be stored in thisadditional buffer, and the resulting broadcast signals may be outputtedat an average bitrate.

However, this scheme is very complicated, and serves as a recursiveprocess which may continuously accumulate unexpected errors in a processcapable of recovering an original time reference time at an averagebitrate, such that the broadcast reception system becomes unstable.

Although the time reference value may be recovered by the above scheme,the recovered time reference value may be changed with time at which adecoder of the digital broadcast reception system decodes broadcastsignals. So, although the same digital broadcast reception system isused, the recovered time reference value may be unexpectedly changed toanother. For example, if the digital broadcast reception system may bepowered on, or if a current channel is changed to another channel, anunexpected time difference may occur in a playback time of contents.

FIG. 27 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an embodiment forprocessing a reception signal at a constant data processing rate. InFIG. 27, a horizontal axis is a time axis, and each unit marked on thetime axis is a unit for transmitting/receiving the MH broadcast signal.

A time unit at the MH frame corresponding to 20 VSB frames is 0.968 ms.The time of 0.968 ms is a time unit where a baseband processor of thedigital broadcast reception system processes broadcast signals.

As shown in FIG. 27, if the K-th MH frame (i.e., MH frame (H)) isreceived, the system can acquire the K-th RS frame (i.e., RS frame (K))transmitted to the MH frame after the lapse of the time 0.968 ms. Thedigital broadcast reception system stores the RS frame in a storageunit, and displays mobile service data provided as the broadcastsignals.

A baseband processor of the digital broadcast reception can recognizethe beginning part and the end part of each MH frame. The end part ofany one of the MH frames is equal to the beginning part of the next MHframe following the above MH frame. The baseband processor of thedigital broadcast reception system is synchronized with a modulator of adigital broadcast transmission system, such that a modulator of thedigital broadcast transmission system modulates each MH frame atintervals of the time 0.968 ms and outputs the resulting MH frame.Therefore, the digital broadcast reception system and the digitalbroadcast transmission system processes broadcast signals at intervalsof a constant time, the buffer of the digital broadcast reception systemcan process data at a constant data rate without any overflow orunderfloor. In order to allow each of the digital broadcast receptionsystem and the digital broadcast transmission system to process data atthe constant data processing rate, the digital broadcast transmissionsystem can transmit reference time information used as a data processingreference to the digital broadcast reception system. The digitalbroadcast reception system(s) can receive reference time informationcontained in broadcast signals, and can process the received broadcastsignals according to the reference time information. Accordingly, thedigital broadcast reception system can process data at the same dataprocessing rate as that of the digital broadcast transmission system,and a plurality of digital broadcast reception systems cansimultaneously display the same contents. For the convenience ofdescription and better understanding of the present invention, thereference time information at which the digital broadcast receptionsystem is driven is called reference time information.

Arrows marked at a lower part of FIG. 27 indicate time at whichreference time information is established at each MH frame. For example,the digital broadcast reception system may set reference timeinformation, which has been contained in a frame (e.g., RS frame) of themobile service data on the basis of the MH frame, to a system time clockof the digital broadcast reception system. The digital broadcastreception system may set reference time information contained in a frameof mobile service data acquired at intervals of the MH frame to thesystem time clock at intervals of the MH frame.

The above-mentioned description shows the RS frame used as the mobileservice data frame. In case of the MH broadcast signal, the digitalbroadcast reception system receives one RS frame at intervals of 968msec, such that the reference time information may be established atintervals of 968 msec. Therefore, if the reception system receives the(K+1)-th MH frame, it acquires the (K+1)-th RS frame and sets thereference time information in an IP datagram contained in the RS frameto a system time clock. If the reception system receives the (K+2)-th MHframe, it acquires the (K+2)-th RS frame and sets the reference timeinformation in an IP datagram contained in the RS frame to a system timeclock. The digital broadcast reception system periodically establishesthis system time clock. In the example of FIG. 27, after the RS frame isreceived and reference time information contained in the received RSframe is acquired, the acquired reference time information is set to thesystem time clock.

For example, the reference time information acquired from an IP datagramcontained in the K-th RS frame may be set to the system time clock atthe beginning time of the (K+2)-th MH frame.

For example, the digital broadcast reception system may establish thereference time information at the beginning or end time of a specific MHsubframe from among MH frames.

For another example, in case of the MH broadcast system, the digitalbroadcast reception system may establish the system time clock atintervals of the MH subframe. In accordance with the exemplary MHbroadcast signal frame, 5 MH subframes are contained in the MH broadcastsignal frame. If MH reference times are contained in the RS frame,individual reference times may be sequentially set to the system timeclock at the beginning time (or the end time) of the MH subframe.

Reference time information contained in the mobile service data framecan be periodically established in association with the MH signal frame,and need not be always set to the beginning or end time of the MH frameor the MH subframe.

The reference time information may indicate an absolute time such as anetwork time protocol (NTP) timestamp. If the service is transmitted andreceived using the Internet protocol shown in FIG. 3, serviceconstituent components indicating audio/video data are configured in theform of real time transport protocol (RTP) packets, and are transmittedand received. The RTP packet header may be a timestamp used as a timeunit at which an access unit (AU) such as a video frame is processed. Asreference time information of the timestamp, a network time protocol(NTP) timestamp, which is an absolute time in a sender report (SR)according to RTP control protocol (RTCP), and a timestamp value of areference clock of a system corresponding to the NTP timestamp can besimultaneously transmitted.

The digital broadcast reception system is able to set the NTP timestampin an IP datagram contained in the mobile service data frame to thesystem time clock at a specific time of the frame. Herein, the NTPtimestamp may be in the mobile service data frame, and it is notnecessary that the NTP timestamp should be contained in the SR accordingto the RTCP.

The digital broadcast reception system may establish synchronization ofaudio/video data received as the reference time information contained inthe mobile service data frame. A plurality of reception systemsestablish the system time clock using the same reference timeinformation, such that they are synchronized with each other and displaycontents transmitted as broadcast signals.

For example, if the digital broadcast reception system receives the MHbroadcast signal, a specific time for the MH signal processing (e.g.,the beginning time of the MH signal frame or the beginning time of anyone of MH signal frames) may be used as a time for establishing thereference time. In this example, the MH frame start time of the MHsignal frame may be used as the reference time setup time. If the starttime of the MH signal frame is used as the reference time setup time andthe Doppler effect is ignored, the digital broadcast reception systemreceiving the MH broadcast signals may establish the reference time atthe same time as the above reference time setup time. Also, the actualreference time value transmitted to the MH signal frame may be set to asystem time clock at the same time as the above reference time setuptime.

The digital broadcast reception system uses the NTP timestamp value asreference time information, such that this reference time informationcan be used as a common wall clock which can be referred at a playbackor decoding time of the service. Also, this reference time informationmay be interoperable with the other NTP timestamp transmitted as senderreport (SR) packets of the RTCP on the IP layer.

FIG. 28 is a block diagram illustrating a digital broadcast receptionsystem according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 28, a tuner 410 receives a broadcast signal(s). Thebroadcast signal may be a signal in which mobile service data and mainservice data are multiplexed. Exemplary broadcast signals are shown inFIGS. 2 to 12.

A demodulator 420 demodulates a reception signal(s). If the receptionsignal is the MH signal frame, the demodulator 420 can output thebeginning time (i.e., MH frame start) of the MH signal frame or thebeginning time of each subframe of the MH signal frame. That is, thedemodulator 420 can output a demodulation time of a specific position ofthe received signal. The demodulator 420 extracts TPC or FIC data fromthe MH signal frame, and outputs the extracted TPC or FIC data, andoutputs the RS frame including ensembles of mobile service data.

The RS frame decoder 430 decodes the RS frame of FIG. 3, and outputs MHtransport packets contained in the decoded RS frame to the transportpacket (TP) handler 440. The TP contained in the MH broadcast signal mayhave an IP datagram, which includes service table information of FIG.17, mobile service data acting as content data, and reference timeinformation. In the above-mentioned example, the NTP timestamp is shownas reference time information. The TP handler 440 can output each ofmobile service data, service table information, and reference timeinformation contained in the IP datagram.

The outputted mobile service data is temporarily stored in a buffer 445,and the service table information is outputted to the SI handler 450.The reference time information is outputted to the system clock manager475 contained in the manager 470.

The SI handler 450 decodes service table information generated from theTP handler 440. In the above-mentioned example, the SMT is shown asservice table information. The decoded service table information isstored in the service table information storage unit 460.

For example, the manager 470 receives demodulation time information ofthe output signal frame of the demodulator. At this demodulation timeaccording to the demodulation time information, the manager 470determines reference time information to be a system time clock of thedigital broadcast reception system. The manager 470 can control the SIhandler 450, the data handler 480, and the A/V decoder 490, such thatdata contained in the buffer 445 can be processed according to thedetermined system time clock at a constant bitrate.

A channel manager 477 of the manager 470 can generate a channel mapusing service table information stored in the service table informationstorage unit 460. The channel manager 477 forms the channel mapaccording to binding information indicating the relationship between anensemble for transmitting a user-selected service and a virtual channelcontained in this ensemble. The channel manager 477 selects a broadcastchannel to quickly output the virtual channel including theuser-selected service, such that broadcast service of the selectedchannel is displayed.

The data handler 480 processes data broadcast download data contained inthe buffer 445 according to a periodically-established system timeclock. A middleware engine 485 processes the output data of the datahandler 480 according to a periodically-recovered system time clock, andprovides a data broadcast application with the resulting data. Forexample, the data broadcast data passes through the A/V post-processor495 by On-Screen-Display (OSD), and the resulting broadcast data isoutputted to a user.

The A/V decoder 490 decodes mobile service data contained in the buffer445 according to the periodically-established system time clock, andoutputs the decoded mobile service data. The A/V decoder 490 outputs thedecoded video/audio data to the A/V post-processor 495. The interfaceunit 465 receives various control signals (e.g., a channel shiftingsignal, an application driving signal) for managing/establishing thedigital broadcast system from the user, and outputs the received controlsignals to the manager 440 or the A/V post-processor 495.

The A/V post-processor 495 allows the A/V data to be received in the A/Vdecoder 490, and allows the received A/V data to be displayed. The A/Vpost-processor 495 may output the A/V data to the interface unit 465according to a control signal. The A/V data generated from the A/Vpost-processor 495 is provide to the user via the display (not shown).The display can provide the user with the audio/video data according toa system time clock recovered by the reference time decided by theabove-mentioned scheme. The manager 470 controls the A/V post-processor495 to synchronize audio/video data according to the NTP timestampestablished at a specific position of the received signal frame. Uponreceiving a control signal from the manager 470, the display outputs thesynchronized audio/video data to the user. Thus, the embodiment of FIG.28 may correspond to the embodiment of FIG. 1. The reference time usedas the NTP timestamp value may be periodically restored and used as asystem time clock at a specific time of the MH signal frame.

FIG. 29 is a flow chart illustrating a data processing method.

Referring to FIG. 29, the broadcast system receives a signal in whichmain service data and mobile service data are multiplexed at step S801.As an example of the multiplexed resultant signal, the MH broadcastsignal can be used as an example of the multiplexed resultant signal.The mobile service data may be discontinuously received with time.

The system demodulates the received broadcast signal, obtainsdemodulation time information of a specific position, and obtainsreference time information contained in the mobile service data frame atstep S803. For example, demodulation time information of a specificposition of the frame may be the beginning time of the MH signal frameor the beginning time of each subframe of the MH signal frame. Thedemodulation time information can be periodically repeated.

The system determines the obtained reference time information to be asystem clock at the above demodulation time at step S805.

The system decodes the mobile service data according to the determinedsystem clock at step S807.

Thus, the received broadcast signal may be decoded or displayedaccording to the reference time decided at a specific time. As a result,although mobile service data is discontinuously received, data can beprocessed at a constant bitrate.

As apparent from the above description, the digital broadcast system andthe data processing method according to the present invention havestrong resistance to any errors encountered when mobile service data istransmitted over the channel, and can be easily compatible with theconventional receiver. The digital broadcast system according to thepresent invention can normally receive mobile service data without anyerrors over a poor channel which has lots of ghosts and noises. Thedigital broadcast system according to the present invention insertsknown data at a specific location of a data zone, and performs signaltransmission, thereby increasing the Rx performance under ahigh-variation channel environment.

Also, the present invention can process service data, which isdiscontinuously received with time, at a constant bitrate.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made in the present inventionwithout departing from the spirit or scope of the inventions. Thus, itis intended that the present invention covers the modifications andvariations of this invention provided they come within the scope of theappended claims and their equivalents.

1-14. (canceled)
 15. A method of transmitting a broadcast signal in atransmitter, the method comprising: transmitting a transmission frameincluding a plurality of slots during which data groups of mobile dataare transmitted, the mobile data being encoded through a Reed-Solomon(RS) frame, each of the data groups including a plurality of regions,each of the regions including a plurality of data blocks, each of thedata blocks including contiguous VSB data segments, wherein a firstregion and a second region in the data group include at least threeknown data sequences which are spaced apart by regular VSB datasegments, and the first region further includes signaling information ofthe mobile data in specified VSB data segments, wherein the signalinginformation includes first channel information providing bindinginformation between a mobile service identifier and an ensemble being acollection of services of the mobile data, and second channelinformation describing the transmission frame and the data groups,wherein the second channel information provides an identification numberof the ensemble, and wherein the ensemble includes a service map table(SMT) providing Internet Protocol (IP) address information for aservice.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the SMT includes a flagindicating whether or not the IP address information is an IPv4 address.17. The method of claim 16, wherein, when the flag is set to 0 (zero),the IP address information is an IPv4 address, and, when the flag is setto 1, the IP address information is an IPv6 address.
 18. The method ofclaim 15, wherein each row of a payload of the RS frame includes atransport packet of the mobile data, the transport packet including anIP datagram having a network time protocol (NTP) timestamp.
 19. A methodof receiving a broadcast signal in a receiver, the method comprising:receiving a transmission frame including a plurality of slots duringwhich data groups of mobile data are received, the mobile data beingdata encoded through a Reed-Solomon (RS) frame, each of the data groupsincluding a plurality of regions, each of the regions including aplurality of data blocks, each of the data blocks including contiguousVSB data segments, wherein a first region and a second region in thedata group include known data sequences which are spaced regular VSBdata segments apart, and the first region further includes a known datasequence and signaling information of the mobile data in specified VSBdata segments, wherein the signaling information includes first channelinformation providing binding information between a mobile serviceidentifier and an ensemble being a collection of services of the mobiledata, and second channel information describing the transmission frameand the data groups, wherein the second channel information provides anidentification number of the ensemble, and wherein the ensemble includesa service map table (SMT) providing Internet Protocol (IP) addressinformation for a service; building the RS frame using the data groupsincluded in the transmission frame; and decoding the RS frame.
 20. Themethod of claim 19, wherein the SMT includes a flag indicating whetheror not the IP address information is an IPv4 address.
 21. The method ofclaim 20, wherein, when the flag is set to 0 (zero), the IP addressinformation is an IPv4 address, and, when the flag is set to 1, the IPaddress information is an IPv6 address.
 22. The method of claim 19,wherein each row of a payload of the RS frame includes a transportpacket of the mobile data, the transport packet including an IP datagramhaving a network time protocol (NTP) timestamp.
 23. The method of claim22, further comprising: synchronizing presentation of audio and video ofthe mobile data based on the NTP timestamp.